Computation of Flow Patterns in Rivers

Abstract

Quasisteady flow in a river with flood plains is considered with the objective of determining flood levels and flow patterns. The two-dimensional hydrodynamic equations are solved using a time-dependent, finite-difference method. Bottom and lateral friction are found to have an important influence. The mathematical model is calibrated and verified, using detailed laboratory measurements. A fair agreement is found, but the need of calibrating frictional parameters with field data is stressed.